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PERFORMANCE REPORTNORTH LANARKSHIRE

1s' April 2015 to 31st September 2015

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Contents

Introduction

Outcomes Overview

Local Risk Management and Preparedness

Reduction in Accidental Dwelling Fires

Reduction in Fire Casualties and Fatalities

Reduction of Deliberate Fire Setting

Reduction of Fires in Non−Domestic Property

Reduction in Casualties from Non Fire Emergencies

Reduction of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals

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IntroductionThis report provides an overview Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) Performance Report for

the first six months the reporting period 2015−16 for the Local Authority Area of North Lanarkshire

(NL). As the Local Senior Officer for NL, I am committed to ensure that the resources serving the

communities within the Local Authority Area are maximised and focused on the delivery of positive

outcomes at every opportunity; this applies across the full span of our activities including responding

to the large range of emergency incidents to the delivery of targeted effective community safety

engagement.

The Annual Operating Plan is the mechanism through which the aims of the SFRS's Local Fire and

Rescue Plan 2014 − 2017 are delivered to meet the agreed needs of NL's communities for the

reporting period of 2015/16. NL's Local Fire and Rescue Plan sets out how the SFRS will meet the

Strategic Aims as defined within the Strategic Plan 2013 —2016.

The Plan details the priorities set against the NL Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) and provides

the appropriate information for our Local Authority partners to enable them to scrutinise the

performance outcomes for each of these priorities.

This Plan is aligned to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) structures within NL and will

complement the local targeted activities focused on by the Community Safety Sub Groups and Local

Area Teams.

The outcomes as detailed within this report are based on the SFRS identified operational demand

within all 20 Wards which require a targeted approach by all relevant partners to deliver a joint

solution and reduce the impact of fire within each locality.

The current commitment to our stakeholders will continue to improve through the support and drive

of all the NL Partnership (NLP) partners to provide a better streamlined joint approach to the issues

highlighted through consultation focused on improving outcomes for the people and communities

within NL.

lain McCuskerArea ManagerLocal Senior Officer for North Lanarkshire

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1. Local Risk Management and Preparedness

The SFRS's has committed to reducing the risks to our communities within NL during the first

six months of the reporting period. This has been supported through ensuring that vital front line

operational capabilities are maintained at an appropriate level of preparedness at all times.

To achieve this Area Service Delivery Section ensures that all policies and procedures are fully

implemented and complied with and that health & safety obligations are fully met. Our personnel

are also provided with the most appropriate equipment to effectively carry out their roles and arefully trained to do so. Resilience planning both at local and national level is also a key element

in reducing the risk to our communities.

Summarised below are some of the activities undertaken to ensure implementation and

management of the operational capabilities within NL. For the purposes of this report certain

matters have not been included, as they are restricted for security purposes. Should additional

information be required in relation to any local risk management issues, the SFRS will facilitate

any such request as appropriate.

Operational Preparedness

Training forms a significant part of the routine activity undertaken by all personnel to maintain

core and specialist skill competency. This is particularly relevant within NL due to the fact all

four wholetime community fire stations have a specialist attribute assigned to them.

Operational frontline Wholetime (vV/T) and Retained Duty System (RDS personnel, in line with

the SFRS Maintenance Phased Development Plan have undertaken structured training and

development sessions. These include core skills such as Breathing Apparatus, Compartment

Fire Behaviour, Road Traffic Collisions, Incident Command, First Person On Scene (FPOS) and

Safe Working at Heights (SWAH).

Specialist skills training sessions includes Water Rescue, Flood Response, High Reach, Urban

Search and Rescue (USAR) and Mass Decontamination and Forward Control Unit (FCU). To

support the local delivery of training we have a number of Instructors who have attended

additional training to facilitate the training detailed above.

Further training is also provided at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's National Training

Centre at Cambuslang and on some occasions by specialist external providers. Our staff also

participate in multi−agency and West of Scotland Lanarkshire Local Resilience Partnership

exercises.

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Operational Intelligence

Operational Intelligence (01) inspections are carried out for premises of significant risk orinterest. Operational crews continue to work to the Area Plan for updating the current portfolio of

identified premises. All identified premises have now been Risk Rated (Low, Moderate or High)

and through this process inspections are being targeted at the High Risk premises that require

either re−inspection or new 01 data submitted.

A database containing information on derelict and unoccupied buildings within NL has also been

established. Station personnel identify and inspect these premises to check their condition and

security. The results of the inspections are uploaded onto the database and the information

shared throughout the Area and with the owners of the premises. It is anticipated that this

initiative will help to reduce the amount of deliberate fires in these types of premises or where afire does occur it will help to mitigate the effects of the fire and reduces the risks faced by

firefighters.

The SFRS as a Category 1 responder is a partner in the West of Scotland Lanarkshire local

resilience Partnership. The SFRS is taking the lead in the Community Risk Registers Risk

Preparedness Assessments which are being carried out for NL.

Business Continuity

The business continuity plans for NL Community Fire Stations and the Area Headquarters

building have been reviewed and updated to ensure that any disruption to service delivery is

kept to a minimum in the event that any of the premises become unavailable in unforeseen

circumstances.

Regular reviewing of the business continuity plans and close partnership working with Police

Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and NL Council (NLC), which has secured the use of

alternative premises will assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in maintaining service

delivery in NL. The lessons learned' from previous exercise have been implemented across NL

stations and a comprehensive review of all the business continuity plans is due in November

2015 to update the content for accuracy and relevance.

Inter Service Liaison

Another example of positive partnership working is an arrangement between the Scottish Fire

and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service which will allow Ambulance Service

vehicles to operate from Bellshill Community Fire Station. This will allow Ambulance Service

vehicles to be more strategically placed to best meet the demands placed on the Service.

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2. Reduction of Accidental Dwelling Fires

Six Month Outcomes

3 Year Average I Nominal I Performance I Target 2015116 I6 Month StatusApr to Sept Month Target Sept 2015 Year End

137 124 156 (T 248

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for accidental dwelling fires is

247 for the full reporting period. The six month total of 156 accidental dwelling fires is 26%

above the nominal six month target; this also indicates a 19% increase compared against

accidental dwelling fires (131) the same period in 2014/15.

The SFRS cannot influence a reduction in these types of incidents by working in isolation.

Therefore the extensive Community Planning Partnership working is central to safeguarding ourresidents from fire related risks within their homes. Over the reporting period a new Strategic

Housing! SFRS Group has been set up to further enhance effective local targeted interventions.

Due to the level of automatic smoke detection within domestic dwellings, the SFRS is being

mobilised to a significant number of domestic dwelling fires which have been extinguished by

the occupants before the arrival of SFRS operational resources. These are known as Code 4

fires; which are minor in nature due to the early detection and intervention by the occupier.

The SFRS conducts a Post Domestic Incident Response at all domestic dwelling incidents. This

involves positive engagement with the occupier(s) of the affected property and neighbouring

properties by SFRS personnel. Fire safety advice and support are provided; where required

SFRS provide and fit 10 year battery powered smoke detectors.

Over the reporting period there have been a total of 687 Post Domestic Incident Responses

conducted in NL. As a result of the Post Domestic Incident Response activities a total of 646

Home Fire Safety Visits have been completed. Through this proactive engagement the SFRS

are improving in the delivery of Home Fire Safety Visits, educating occupiers to the risk and

where appropriate sign posting individuals to partner agencies where additional support needs

are identified.

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Accidental dwelling fires by locality

Incidents40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

• Incidents

There has been an increase of accidental dwellings against previous years, this will be fully

analysed to identify any specific trends or areas of concern. From the initial overview and

reduction ion fire related casualties the number of Code 4 incidents (fire extinguished prior to

arrival of fire service) are the majority of our recorded accidental dwelling incidents.

The Coatbridge locality had a total of 34 accidental dwelling fires which accounts for 22% of the

NL total. (Population of 45,701 which is14% of NL population; living in 21,914 dwellings).

The Motherwell locality had a total of 30 dwelling fires which accounts for 19% of the NL total.

(Population of 45,514which is14% of NL population; living in 21,803 dwellings).

Both of the above localities have the highest number of accidental dwelling fires per capita head

of population.The populations of both localities account for 28% of NL overall population

however the accidental dwelling fires amount to 38% of all NL incidents. From the analysis of

the data there have been no significant trends identify to fully account for the higher incidents

numbers within these two localities when compared across NL as a whole.

With respect to the Wards mentioned above the casualty numbers were low; this is associated

with the fact that the occupants discovered the fire due to actuation of smoke detection and

either extinguishes the fire source at its early stage or evacuates the property quickly and awaits

the arrival of SFRS. (This is covered within Section 3: Reduction in Fire Related Casualties and

Fatalities)

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Belishill Wishaw Motherwell Aidrie Coatbridge North

Causes of all incidents

• Cooking

• Smoking

• Matches! Candles

• Electrical

• Appliances

• Other

Within NL the main cause of accidental dwelling fire incidents is still cooking related, with the

kitchen as the room of origin. Cooking accounts for 102 (65%) of all accidental dwelling fires.

The other main causes are:

Smoking accounts for 10 incidents; of these incidents two resulted in fire related

fatalities.

. Faults in electrical equipment and appliances account for 30 incidents. This includes

domestic appliances such as cookers and tumble driers.

We target high risk individuals and the partner referrals are the most effective approach to

secure high risk visits. The SFRS provides Fire Safety Experiential Training to our partner

agencies. This training provides the attendees with information on identifying fire hazards.

The table below provides an overview of the agencies currently making Home Fire Safety Visit

referrals to the SFRS. It is very evident from the figures below that NLC Housing and Social

Work make the highest number of partner referrals for high risk individuals to the SFRS. This

reflects the positive locality links between partners which support the most vulnerable sectors of

our local communities.

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Agency YTD

Addaction 8ADP 6Care & Repair 0Cornerstone Care Services 8Cumbernauld Action Care for Elderly IDeafblind 1Family Member 19GHA 2Homegroup 1Housing 67Integrated Addiction Services 11KEY Community Support 1Kildrum Nursery 7NHS 26NL Northern Corridor Initiative 11NLC Homecare 23Other 73Police 4Safer Homes 6Salvation Army 2SCRS 1Social Services 117St Patricks Nursery 2Victim Support 3Women's Aid 2Totals 394

We are fully committed to provide the highest level of service and focus with respect reducing

the numbers of accidental dwelling fires as by doing so will have a direct impact on reducing the

number of fire related casualties within NL.

Our free Home Fire Safety Visits are the method used to make the greatest impact on educating

households on reducing the fire risk within the home setting. The table below provides anoverview of the number of visits carried out within the seven station areas in the first six months

of the 2015/16 reporting period:

By Station YTDRisk Rating

High Medium Low

BelIshill 315 148 134 128Coatbridge 488 231 213 199Cumbernauld 500 221 187 199Kilsyth 82 51 27 36Motherwell 468 226 169 191Shotts 121 57 28 57Stepps 130 99 59 43Total 2,104 1,013 817 853

This is an increase of 462 Home Fire Safety Visits against the same period in 2014/15 for

completed Home Fire Safety Visits; which reflects the commitment of our personnel to educate

the public we serve.

3. Reduction in Fire Casualties and Fatalities

Six Month Outcomes

3 Year Nominal 6Average Month Performance 6 Month Target

Apr to Sept Target Sept 2015 Status 2015/16Year End

Casualties 48 41 2983

Fatalities 1 0 2 0 1

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for fire casualties is 83 for the

reporting period. The six month total of 29 fire casualties is 29% below the nominal six month

target; there is no change when compared against fire casualties (29) the same period in

2014/15.

There were two recorded preventable fire fatalities within the reporting period. Preventable fire

deaths are those which could have been prevented, had the appropriate level of interventions

and safeguards for the individuals been in place prior to the fire. The first occurred in Ward 8

Airdrie Central in April 2015 and the other in Ward 12 Fortissat in July 2015. A multi−agency

Strategic Case Study has been scheduled to take place on 27th October 2015. The outcomes

from this meeting will form the basis an action plan to further improve arrangements to

safeguard those more vulnerable NL residents.

From the table above the level of accidental fire incidents is evidently higher that the number of

recorded fire related casualties. This reflects the fact that early warning at the early stages of afire by the actuation of smoke alarms is having a positive impact on reducing the degree of harm

caused by fire.

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Casualties by locality

Casualties by Age and Gender

Age 0−15 15−25 25−45 45−65 65−over

Male 0 1 2 5 6

Female 1 0 4 4 8

Historically males 50 years of age were the highest at risk of becoming fire related casualties/

fatalities; especially where they lived alone and had alcohol dependency. However now, the

group at greatest risk of becoming fire related casualties/ fatalities are females 60 years of ageand over. The two fire fatalities this reporting period were both elderly females.

This trend is reflected Scotland wide; there is a multi−agency working group looking at ways in

which to address this concerning change. Contributory factors such as living alone, smoking

materials, mobility, medication and/or alcohol increase the risk tenfold.

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4. Reduction of Deliberate Fire Setting

Six Month Outcomes

3 Year Nominal 6 TargetPerformance 6 MonthAverage Month Sept 2015 Status 2015/16Apr to Sept Target Year End

Primary 149 118 117 236Secondary 959 800 841 1,358

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for the reduction of deliberate

secondary (e.g. rubbish, grass, trees, wheelie bins) fire setting is 1,358 and for deliberate

primary (e.g. buildings, vehicles) fire setting is 236 for the reporting period.

The six month total of 841 deliberate secondary fires is 5% above the nominal six month target;

in the same period a total of 117 deliberate primary fires is 1% below the nominal six month

target.

For deliberate fires as a whole this indicates an 2% reduction when compared against

deliberate fires (979) in the first six months of the 2014/15 reporting period..

As with the reduction of accidental dwelling fires and the associated fire related casualties, the

SFRS cannot achieve the necessary outcomes in isolation. The Community Safety Sub Group

partners are central to us tackling the anti−social fire related behaviour and we have worked

closely with NLC Regeneration Team, Police Scotland, Community Learning & Development,

Housing and Social Service, Town Centre Activities (CCTV), Anti−Social Behaviour Team and

Education Department over the year to influence change.

As of the 2 ndJuly 2015 the SFRS Control Room based at Johnstone has been notifying TCA

CCTV Control Room staff of every secondary fire within NL; this will enable any CCTV cameraswithin the locus of the reported fire incident to be aimed in the direction of the fire. It is

anticipated that over the coming months there will be a greater number of positive identifications

of firesetters through this partnership which is the first of its kind between SFRS and a local

authority CCTV provider.

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5. Reduction of Fires in Non−Domestic Property

Six Month Outcomes

3 Year Average Nominal 6 Performance Target 2015116 I6 Month StatusApr toSept Moth Target Sept2015 I Year End

78 68 65 C40 137

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for the reduction of fires innon−domesticproperty is 137 for the reporting period. The six month total of 65 fires withinnon−domesticproperty is 4% below the nominal six month target; this also indicates an 18%

reduction compared against fires within non−domestic property (79) the same period in 2014/15.

Fires within non−domestic buildings within this section of the report include those reported onwithin deliberate primary fires. For the reporting period, there were 29 deliberate fires involve

Police Scotland who will investigate as these incidents are crimes. The other 36 fires withinnon−domesticbuildings were recorded as accidental.

All premises deemed as high risk relevant premises under The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 will be

subject to a routine Fire Safety Audit (FSA). These premises are predominantly sleeping risks

referred to previously; however the SFRS also includes premises with high fire loading and

volatile processes within the annual audit inspection programme.

Fire Safety Audits 2014/15

Year EndStatus of Audit Number TargetOpened 34

Closed 256

Total Audits 290 660

These audits are carried out by either a legislative Fire Safety Enforcement Officer (FSEO) or

an Auditing Officer (AO). These officers are specially trained in relation to the implementation of

the legislation within the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

Any fire within a relevant premise is defined as a risk failure and will result in a Post Fire Audit to

fully identify the exact risk assessment failure and issue the appropriate level of Notice under

the Act. During the reporting period a total of 34 post fire audits were conducted.

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6. Reduction of Non−Fire Emergencies

Six Month Outcomes (Incidents)

Non−fire emergencies are referred to as Special Services by the SFRS; and within this report

these have been divided into the three categories referred to above; Road Traffic Collisions

(RTC), Water Rescues and Other Special Services.

The SFRS has no statutory duty with respect to the reduction of these three non−fire emergencycategories. We do however have a duty of care and will support any appropriate safety

awareness event within our communities. In addition we have personnel with specialist training

who will render humanitarian assistance at incidents as appropriate.

Road Traffic Collisions

3 Year Average Nominal 6 Performance Target 20151166 Month StatusApr to Sept Month Target Sept 2015 Year End56 52 51 0 105

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for RTCs is 105 for the full

reporting period. The six month total of 51 RTCs is 2% below the nominal six month target.

Through the Cut It Out road safety awareness delivery programme, SFRS instructors engagewith all 6th Year Secondary classes and the three New Lanarkshire College campuses over the

academic year. This ensures that the awareness of road risks is provided to a larger audience

within the 17 to 25 years of age group.

Examples of Road Traffic Collisions attended by SFRS in the reporting period:

RTC involving three vehicles on the M8 at Newhouse. No persons trapped. 2 Adults

removed to hospital for precautionary check−up.

• RTC involving three vehicles on the M80 at Auchenkilns. 1 Male casualty extricated from

vehicle by SFRS personnel and removed to hospital suffering from suspected c−spine

injuries.

• RTC involving three vehicles on Caledonian Road, Wishaw. 1 Female extricated and

removed to hospital suffering from head and neck injuries.

• RTC involving a school bus and a car on Petersburn Road in Airdrie. 20 Children and

adults removed to hospital suffering from head and neck injuries and shock.

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Water Incidents

3 Year Average Nominal 6 I Performance I Target 2015/166 Month StatusApr to Sept Month Target Sept 2015 Year End41 33 34 67

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for Water Incidents is 67 for the

full reporting period. The six month total of 34 Water Incidents is just above the nominal six

month target; this total includes water rescue incidents and flooding.

The SFRS has no statutory duty with respect to the reduction of water related incidents. We arehowever committed to work with our partners to improve water safety awareness. Through ourschool engagement programmes our personnel will highlight the dangers associated with openwater. Again aspects of this safety message are included within our Thematic Action Plan

activities.

Flooding incidents caused by burst pipes within a premise are included within the water incident

category; these incidents generally involve the SFRS making the premises safe from further

water damage and rendering humanitarian assistance as appropriate. The SFRS has specially

trained personnel who respond to emergencies in and around all inland waterways within NL

and across Scotland. Water rescue resources are based at Motherwell and Flood Recue

resources are based at Coatbridge.

During the reporting period there was 1 water rescue incident of note:

• A female adult attempted to commit suicide by drowning at Auchenstarry Quarry in

Kilsyth. Personnel from Kilsyth Community Fire Station attended and a specialist Water

Rescue team were mobilised. Working closely with Police Scotland the female wasencouraged to return to the shore before our resources were fully committed.

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Other Special Services

Year Average I Nominal 6 Performance I Target 2015/16Apr to Sept Month Target Sept 2015 6 Month Status Year End

140 158 194 3 317

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for Other Special Services is

317 for the full reporting period. The six month total of 194 Other Special Services is 23%

above the year−end target.

The SFRS attends a multitude of incidents under the heading of other special services.

Examples of the special services the SFRS has attended and resolved over the reporting yearinclude:

. Hazardous materials leaks where we work in partnership with specialist chemists to

safely resolve the incidents.

e Numerous calls to aid the ambulance service in gaining entry to collapsed persons.

• Calls to domestic gas leaks where we work in partnership with gas networks to make the

scene safe.

• Calls to open doors of domestic premises where occupiers have been locked in or out

and we are required to attend to prevent a worsening situation.

• Various animal rescues both domestic and farm.

An incident of note in this category was in Viewfield Road, Coatbridge when caustic liquids

being transported in a lorry spilled. The initial Incident Commander used the safety information

available to formulate an incident plan supplemented by our specialist Hazardous Materials

team to safely deal with the incident. The various chemicals were decanted into suitable storage

containers by personnel wearing special Chemical Protection Suits and the vehicle wassubsequently removed and the roadway re−opened by Police Scotland.

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7. Reduction of Unwanted Fire Alarm SignalsSix Month Outcomes

3Year Nominal Performance 6 Month TargetAverage Month Sept 2015 Status 2015/16

Apr to Sept Target Year EndUFAS 889 836 970 1672

Good Intent 358 309 281 619Malicious 78 67 62 134

The annual target set within the SFRS Annual Operational Plan for Unwanted Fire Alarm

Signals (UFAS) has been separated into three categories, as listed in table above.

The SFRS's focus on the reduction of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal incidents is designed to

reduce in part the level of emergency 'blue light' journeys; which by their very nature pose agreater risk to all road users. The vast majority of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal incidents

attract a minimum of two fire appliances, with higher risk or larger premises attracting more

resources. Taking this into account it is clear that in the first six months of the 2015/16

reporting period there have been at least 1,940 'blue light' emergency response journeys

within NL.

The policy is also designed to reduce the negative impact of Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals

on businesses and other services. Taking the current available economic cost for a single

UFAS of £848 (Government's Economic Cost of Fire 2004 for England and Wales); the

associated cost implication equates to £822,560.

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